Ricciardo Wins At Spa, Rosberg Pads Lead

Daniel Ricciardo took his third win of the season on Sunday in the Belgian Grand Prix. (Steve Etherington Photo)

FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium – Daniel Ricciardo clinched his and Red Bull’s third victory of 2014 in the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps on Sunday, while Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg survived early contact with teammate Lewis Hamilton to take second and extend his championship lead to 29 points.

Hamilton, who started on the outside of the front row alongside Rosberg, took the lead on the start, but Rosberg clipped Hamilton’s tire on lap two and punctured it. Hamilton fell to the rear of the field, and Rosberg had to pit for a front wing. While the German recovered nicely, Hamilton ended up being stuck at the back.

He retired early to cool the Mercedes engine once it became apparent he wouldn’t score any championship points.

McLaren’s Kevin Magnussen was sixth, but was penalized after the race for forcing Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso off track.

Magnussen incurred a 20-second penalty from the stewards, and was dropped to 12th. His teammate, Jenson Button, was moved to sixth. Alonso, Sergio Perez, Daniil Kvyat and Nico Hulkenberg completed the points-scoring top 10.